Pygmy Chain Sword Red

Helanthium tenellum 'Red'

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismatales›Alismataceae

📍 Captive-bred (hybrid)

Red-tinted form of the Pygmy Chain Sword. Develops reddish-brown tones under higher light. Low-maintenance carpeting plant.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that graze gently without uprooting plants; ideal for planted tanks

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small, non-destructive shrimp that help control algae and won't damage delicate plant tissue

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant with similar care requirements; creates layered carpet effect

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that won't uproot plants and add movement to planted tanks

good

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp that efficiently controls algae without damaging plant structure

excellent

Anubias Nana

Companion plant with similar low-light tolerance; creates diverse foreground landscape

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Micronutrients)

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration despite adequate lighting

Treatment

Increase liquid fertilizer dosing, particularly iron supplements; perform 25% water changes weekly to reset nutrient levels and prevent accumulation

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating plant leaves, reduced photosynthesis, plant decline

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration to 6-8 hours daily, increase water changes, introduce algae-eating fish (Otocinclus) or shrimp; manually remove visible algae

Melting/Decay

Symptoms

Leaves becoming translucent, mushy stems, rapid plant deterioration after planting

Treatment

Ensure stable water parameters (pH 6.0-7.5, GH 4-8), maintain consistent temperature, improve water circulation; remove affected leaves and allow plant to acclimate over 2-3 weeks

Poor Red Coloration

Symptoms

Plant remains predominantly green despite adequate lighting, weak growth

Treatment

Increase light intensity to 8-10 hours daily, boost iron and macronutrient fertilization, ensure CO2 supplementation (optional but beneficial); allow 4-6 weeks for color development